mC+ FAQs

What is the mC+ app?

It is a small application which you will need to install on your computer and mobile device that will anonymously collect information regarding your online activities during the time while you are having it installed.

What will the mC+ app do?

This application will record on how you use your device and is designed to avoid collecting personally identifiable or sensitive information – no system is foolproof, but we are committed to protecting your privacy (learn more about how we protect your privacy by reading our detailed Privacy Policy).  While the app is installed, you should do whatever you normally do with your mobile device or computer. Please don’t change anything. Just keep mC+ app active on your device and collect your Points.

Why do we want this information?

The data that we collect is used to understand how consumers interact with the Internet and mobile devices and how our clients can develop and improve their products, services or marketing initiatives. The collected data will be used for research purposes only, and we will never try to sell you any products or ask you for money!

Why is a survey not enough?

The innovative approach to collect behavioural data gives us the opportunity to get a much fuller picture and comprehend consumers by understanding their online and mobile usage and behaviour (the ‘what’) alongside regular survey results (the ‘why’).

What data is collected?

We are recording data related to your browsing behaviour, device usage, system information and location data. The Internet data gathered is known as clickstream data. Clickstream data includes information such as your IP address, the URLs of websites you have viewed, the date and time you viewed the web pages, the duration of each visit and the search terms you entered on any web page that enables online search. For more information, please read our detailed Privacy Policy.

Is personal data also recorded?

The mC+ app and our internal systems are outfitted with technical privacy rules designed to avoid the collection of certain types of personally identifiable or sensitive information, such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, email addresses and information from most web-based email accounts. These rules rely on known field types, values, and algorithms, but they are not foolproof, and sometimes the software may inadvertently collect unwanted information. However, be assured that we will not knowingly use any such inadvertently collected information in our services. For more details, please read our Privacy Policy.

Can the app read my emails/SMS or listen to my calls?

No, the app is not capable of reading or recording data within emails or messages or listening or recording any voice and video conversations.

Can the data be linked to me?

Please be assured that all data will be shared in anonymous form without being linked to you as a person.

Is my data safe with you?

We understand that there is often concern about personal data being misused. The data transfer and storing process is very secure, including several data encryption steps.

How do I install the mC+ app?

Please refer to our installation guide.

On which devices can I install the mC+ app?

The mC+ application (Consumer Input Software) is compatible with following operating systems and browsers: 

• Android

• iOS

• Windows 7,8 and 10

• Mac OSX 

You can only install the app on your computer when you own administration rights. If you want to install the mC+ app on your work device, you must obtain permission from your employer before you do this.

Do I have to use the devices I have installed the app on?

Yes, each device you have the mC+ installed must be used regularly to be an active participant and to secure your Points.

What will the app look like on my device?

iPhone: once the app is installed it will look like any other app, and it can be easily tucked away in a
folder. The only other visible reminder of the app is the ‘VPN’ logo that appears in the toolbar.

Android: the app logo will appear on the toolbar along the top of your phone alongside your other
apps. From time to time, you will also see the key logo denoting that you are connected to the secure VPN.

Why do I need to accept RealityMine as a Trusted Developer?

RealityMine is the company that develops our app, and to be able to run the app; you need to trust them as a developer. Once you have trusted them, then the app will continue installing itself.

How do I install the required Certificate and create a lock screen on my mobile device (Android)?

You may be asked to install an additional certificate on your mobile device. Installing the certificate is easy. Just follow the on-screen prompts. Please note that you will need to set a lock screen on your phone if you continue.

To install the certificate:

• Give the certificate a name and press OK. The default certificate name is fine.

• Follow the prompts to set either a PIN or a pattern for your lock screen. Remember what this is, since you will need it to unlock your phone!

• You will then see a small pop-up message on the screen letting you know the certificate has been installed.

How can I remove the lock screen (Android)?

If you have set a lock screen on your phone after installing the certificate, you may wish to remove it after the project has ended. To delete the certificate from your phone:

• Go to the Settings menu.

• Tap ‘Security’ and scroll to the bottom of the page.

• Select ‘Clear Credentials’ and press ‘OK’ when prompted. Please note that doing this will not remove any of your saved passwords, email settings, pictures, or documents!

After the certificate is deleted, you may remove the lock:

• Go to the Settings menu.

• Tap ‘Security’ and then tap ‘Screen lock’.

• When prompted, enter your pattern or PIN.

• Select ‘None’ from the type of lock screen required.

Can the app interfere with my device or usage?

The mC+ app will sit in the background of your computer and mobile device and will be on all the time. The app uses minimal memory capacity and other resources on your device. The application will have very little effect on the battery on your phone. We are constantly working on improving the app, and the app has been rigorously tested, however, there is a small chance that it will interfere with your usage and influence or affect your browser or computer/mobile performance. If this is the case, please log in to your Panel page and send us a message via the HelpCenter. We will then contact you and try to identify and fix the issue.

How much data does the mC+ app consume?

The app is designed to consume as little data as possible when sending data back to the servers. Approximate data consumption amounts per month are:

· Android/Windows: Less than 2MB per month

· iPhone: Less than 0.5MB per month

Please note, all data is routed through the app, some data measuring tools will indicate that the app is using a large volume of data, however, that this is just your regular Internet and app data.

We are not able to reimburse you for any data charges incurred during the project.

Will the app impact on the battery life of my device?

The app is designed to have as little impact on battery as possible, however, as with any app, it does have a small impact on battery life. The impact on battery life can vary slightly depending on your device and operating system. If you think it does affect your device’s battery life, please log in to your Panel page and send us a message through the HelpCenter so we can identify and fix the issue.  

What do I do if I go abroad?

If you go abroad and you take your mobile phone with you on which the mC+ app is installed, it will continue to work and transmit data if roaming is enabled on your device. To avoid unintended charges when abroad, we recommend that you turn off roaming on your device.
Please remember that we are not able to reimburse you for any data charges incurred during the project.

I have deleted the app, how can I re-install the mC+?

If you still have the registration email in your inbox, you can just click on the installation link and start the download. In case you do not have the installation link or the old link is not valid anymore you can contact us through your panel HelpCenter and we will re-send you a new installation link.

I have received an email, telling me my app is inactive and I do not get any points. What can I do?

We will send you an email as soon as the app stops working and does not send any data for more than seven days. It can have various reasons why the app has stopped working:

1. You have not used your device for more than seven days

2. You have deactivated the app

3. You have not upgraded the mC+ app to the latest version

4. You have uninstalled the app accidently

5. You have got a new device

6. There are technical issues, like a firewall or set up issues, which stops the app communication.

In all cases we would recommend to contact us through your panel HelpCenter, referencing mC+. We will send you a new installation link and guide you through the re-installation.

What do I do if I change my device?

If you change your device and you still have the registration email in your inbox, you can just click on the installation link and start the download. In case you do not have the installation link or the old link is not valid anymore you can contact us through your panel HelpCenter and we will re-send you a new installation link.

Whom can I contact if I have a problem?

In the first instance, please contact your panel HelpCenter.

What is a VPN?

VPN stands for "Virtual Private Network" - it is a research tool that allows us to understand how participants use their Internet.

What does the VPN do?

The VPN captures activity through a device’s web browser and apps that use the web. To do this, all Internet activity are routed through the VPN to obtain the specific URLs visited.

How do I install the VPN?

Please refer to our detailed installation guide.

How do I know the VPN is active?

• iOS: If the VPN is active, you will see a small circle with ‘VPN’ at the top of the screen. If you do not see this, try locking and unlocking your phone.

• Android: If the VPN is active, you will see a 'key' in the top right of the status bar. If you do not see this, try locking and unlocking your phone, also check your notifications, as you might be required to reconnect it.

Will the VPN slow down my Internet?

The VPN has been rigorously tested and has not been found to slow down a device’s Internet performance in any noticeable way. However, if you think it does impact your device’s performance, please log in to your Panel page and send us a message through the HelpCenter so we can identify and fix the issue.

How do I deactivate the VPN?

Please refer to our uninstallation guide.

How many Points will I get?

Please refer to your invitation, which will state the points you can earn through your participation in this unique research project.

When do I receive my Points?

We need to verify your mC+ status and ensure the app is installed and active on your device(s), this might take a few days. If after two weeks, you do not receive your Points, please log-in to your Panel page and send a message through the HelpCenter.

Do I need mC+ on more than one device?

To get a complete picture of your online preferences we ask you to install the app on all devices you use to browse the Internet, you can complete the project with the mC+ on one device, but you will not be entitled to as many Points.

I have been invited to participate in the National Buying Survey. What is the National Buying Survey?

The National Buying Survey aims to build an overall picture of the Great Britain population’s consumption of products, services and media.  Therefore it includes questions on a wide variety of subjects such as media habits, technology, motoring and holidays. 

What is the significance of the National Buying survey?  

The National Buying Survey was launched in 1968.  Since then nearly a million people have participated, making the survey one of the largest and most important pieces of continuous research in the United Kingdom. 

Why are we conducting the National Buying Survey?

The National Buying Survey is used by businesses and organisations to understand more about the product consumption and ownership, media habits and attitudes of people in Great Britain. Because the survey is conducted every year, we can identify areas of growth and decline, giving great insight into life in the United Kingdom.

What will we do with the data collected through the National Buying Survey?

The survey is based on a carefully selected sample of people so that it is representative of the population as a whole.  You are an important part of that sample. The information that you provide is combined with that of thousands of other respondents to build up a complete and accurate picture of the nation.

How long is the National Buying Survey?

The survey takes on average 4 hours to complete

Do I have to complete the National Buying Survey all at once?

No, you may complete the survey at your own pace

By when do I need to complete the National Buying Survey?

After you have been invited, you need to complete the survey within the six week study period to be entitled to the full rewards.

What rewards will I get for completing the National Buying Survey?

Complete the first part of the ‘National Buying Survey’ and earn 500 Points, followed by 1500 Points after completing the remaining three parts within the six week study period (2000 Points in total).

What will you ask me in the National Buying Survey?

The questionnaire asks a range of lifestyle and attitude questions to understand more about who you are.

Do I need to complete the National Buying Survey?

No, you are free not to take the survey, or to complete it partially. However, you will not be entitled to the full rewards available.